The Israeli Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association (“The Aguda”) was established in 1975 as a national, grassroots organization dedicated to furthering the rights of the GLBT community in Israel.
The Aguda is committed to providing emotional and psychological support for GLBTs and to raising the consciousness and pride of the GLBT community. It strives to instill progressive. social and health-related principles in the Israeli public, engages in education and dissemination of information, and organizes social and cultural activities. The Aguda is active throughout the country from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat. It is a non-profit, volunteer organization, benefiting from the participation of over 500 active volunteers.
Mission Statement:
The Aguda, Israel's largest and the only Nationwide GLBT organization is committed to promote the GLBT issues in the Israeli society. The Aguda seeks to create an open, tolerant Israeli social culture where any gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
The Aguda is a grass root, non partisan organization that seeks to provide the needed services to the GLBT community, all over the country, for all age groups, regardless of ethnic origin, religious or political affiliation.
The Aguda effectively lobbies the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, in an attempt to change discriminatory legislation, acts upon unjust and discriminating policies of government agencies, promotes and assists in law suites in sex and gender discrimination cases
Organizational Structure:
The Aguda is registered as a non-profitable organization recognized by the Israeli Treasury and the finance committee of the Knesset and is eligible for tax exemption status, both for itself and its donors. (sec 46)
The Aguda's governing bodies are stated in it's charter and are supervised by the Justice Department's supervising registrar.
- Annual General Assembly: Meeting of the general membership of the organization in which the financial reports are presented and approved, general policies are discussed and Board members and inspection committee members are elected.
- National Board: consisting of an elected committee and branch representatives.
- Inspection committee: oversees the operation of the organization and it's adherence to the charter and good business practices.
- Headquarters: based in Tel Aviv and provides support for all Aguda activities around the country, - social services, fundraising and overseas relations. The Aguda employees a staff of 5 - 10 professionals, full and part time, some on a scholarship basis. Among them – Executive director, fundraising professionals, social workers and psychologists, education experts and legal advisors.
- Branches: in Kiryat Shmona, Tel Aviv, Beer Sheva and Eilat, each branch being responsible for local program-planning and activities. Branches are headed by a local chair, elected by the local members and assisted by a staff person, usually on scholarship with a local university or community college.
